Omaha zoo announces African Grasslands project

OMAHA, Neb. (AP) — Officials plan to begin public fundraising soon for the new African Grasslands project at the zoo in Omaha.

Henry Doorly Zoo and Aquarium officials said in a news release Friday that the $70 million project is the largest in the zoo's history. It will span 28 acres at the zoo, which sits on the southeast side of Omaha.

Construction on the first phase is expected to begin this summer and be completed and opened by the early summer of 2016. The second phase is expected to finished and opened within another year.

Officials say $30 million is still needed from the public, so the Raise Wild campaign will begin next month.

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